YMCA of the Pines Celebrating ‘National Happiness Happens Month’: Find what makes YOU Happy

Benefits of Summer Camp 

By Betsy Lockett, YMCA of the Pines

August is National Happiness Happens Month. The month is dedicated to celebrating the things that make us happy. During busy and mundane days, it’s easy to forget to show yourself some love and celebrate a smile. Happiness Happens Month is in place to remind us that happiness happens in small moments and that it’s our job to recognize these moments. Many believe that happiness is a constant mental state or that a certain lifestyle promises joy, but the truth is – happiness is everywhere!

Summer camps across the nation provide children with an array of ways to find their happiness. From singing songs to swimming in the lake to eating s’mores, there is a dose of happiness for everyone! At YMCA of the Pines, we believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids and our neighbors. That is why we work every day to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore, grow, and thrive. Each day we work to provide and embrace what makes our campers happy.

The YMCA of the Pines sits on 800 acres of pristine Pinelands in the heart of South Jersey, our summer camp serves children and families from all over. We have three different camps including; Camp Ockanickon Overnight Camp for Boys, Camp Matollionequay Overnight Camp for Girls, and Lake Stockwell Co-ed Day Camp. In the summer months, the camp serves over 620 children per day, providing top quality programs in a safe, supportive environment led by professionally trained role models.

The benefits of summer camp go beyond making memories and having fun. At YMCA of the Pines summer camp, children and teens have the opportunity to build life-long skills and ultimately become the best version of themselves through various activities. We offer rock climbing, swimming, canoeing, cooking, arts and crafts, nature trips, and much more! At camp, children build confidence and learn to be independent. They also build resilience and find a sense of purpose. At YMCA of the Pines, believe in finding happiness in the unexpected, encouraging our campers to try new things and discover their passions.

YMCA of the Pines is an interfaith, charitable organization dedicated to helping children, teens and families explore, grow, thrive and ultimately become the best version of themselves. Now more than ever, kids need to get outside to play. In all of our programing we weave in our six core values; caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, courage, and inclusion. We asked some of our campers, “what makes you happy?” and here is what they had to say:

“I love exploring, engaging with friends, and participating in all the activities." - Lily, 10.

“Swimming and baking" - Joey, 5.

“Fun, friends, counselors, kickball, and magic at camp." - Liam, 11.

"I enjoy being in the lake, cooking, and practicing archery." - Daphne, 9.

Here at YMCA of the Pines, you’ll find friendships, laughs, music, food, new confidence, adventure, nature, sunshine, exercise, good ole’ fashion playing outside! Come find what makes YOU happy!

Explore, Grow, and Thrive! Check us out on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and our website.